By that measure, IE9 is moving almost four times as fast as Windows 7. The comparison isn't quite apples-to-apples because Windows 7 isn't free, and the Windows 7 sales figures were based on a much longer time period. But the IE9 downloads are impressive nonetheless, particularly given that the browser is available only on Vista and Windows 7, and most computers are still running Windows XP.

The question is whether Microsoft can keep up the momentum. Internet Explorer is still the most widely used browser, but market share has slipped consistently in the past few years because of the growing popularity of Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.

IE9 has been available in beta since September 2010, yet Internet Explorer's market share (all versions) declined from 59.62 per cent to 56.77 per cent in that time, according to Net Applications. The 2.35 million downloads aren't likely to change that figure much, given that people who downloaded the stable version of IE9 were likely upgrading from IE8 or the IE9 beta. But IE9 is a stronger browser than its predecessors and could help arrest the market shift from Microsoft's browser to Firefox and Chrome.

IE9 introduces a stripped-down interface with more room for browsing, as well as new privacy features, pinned sites and jump lists for faster navigation, and enhanced support for HTML5. But Chrome has also upgraded with the 10th major version of its browser, and Firefox version 4.0 is on the verge of release.

"We want to thank everyone around the world for downloading IE9 and the enthusiastic reception," he writes. "2.3 million downloads in 24 hours is over double the 1 million downloads we saw of the IE9 Beta and four times that of the IE9 RC [release candidate] over the same time period."

The screen was particularly good. It is bright and visible from most angles, however heat is an issue, particularly around the Windows button on the front, and on the back where the battery housing is located.

My first impression after unboxing the Q702 is that it is a nice looking unit. Styling is somewhat minimalist but very effective. The tablet part, once detached, has a nice weight, and no buttons or switches are located in awkward or intrusive positions.

Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of IDG Communications is prohibited. Copyright 2013 IDG Communications.
ABN 14 001 592 650. All rights reserved.

Contact Us

With over 25 years of brand awareness and credibility, Good Gear Guide (formerly PC World Australia), consistently delivers editorial excellence through award-winning content and trusted product reviews.